MikeL

Happy Birthday, Cammy!

You will be the best father ever...with one possible exception.

Here's a fantastic artist with a great tribute to 9/11. Be sure to watch closely, especially near the end where what you expected suddenly changes.

Have already exchanged several e-mails with him. He seems to be in good spirits.

Since Mr. Blake has leased his boat to Trevor and Trevor's insurance is footing the bill, it is highly unlikely that Mr. Blake does not know Trevor Carlson's name. It is also highly unlikely that Mr. Blake would not tell his wife about the good fortune he had leasing the boat during the off season and the name of the lessee. Therefore, Mrs. Blake has heard the name Trevor Carlson from her husband. If she was Trevor's mom, we would have heard of a joyous reaction on her part. I don't think there's a chance in all goatdom that Mrs. Blake is the former Rachel Carlson.

Chase, there's no hate here. I was just surprised that you would laugh at someone just because they married early. I can't really give any good advice about marrying young. I was in my late twenties...just a few weeks short of my 29th birthday when I got married. We've been married 41 years now and it's been great. Again, my best wishes to any young person who is dealing with such a daunting set of problems.

Andy and Tara have both given you some important points to consider. I would add two things. How important are your wedding vows to you? You remember the words; what did you promise to do? If you are married, sex with anyone other than your spouse is adultery. Gender is not a factor in that consideration...not the gender of your spouse nor the gender of the other person. Who will be hurt by your decision? There's you, your wife, and your child. What relationship will you have with your child if you and your spouse divorce? How will the other person be affected by a short relationship that you decide to end because of your conflicting emotions? It's not an easy decision and I have probably not been much help. But it is a decision which deserves long and sincere contemplation on your part. Now here's the kicker. This little bit of advice comes from a straight man who has never faced the situation you have before you. I can't envy you; I can only wish you the best. One more thing: Ignore Chase.

I appreciate your comments, Bob. I always do. This is a unique community, populated with many very special people. You are one of the really special ones.

Happy Birthday, Drewbie! Where have you been?

I think nail growth is much more exciting than counting the words in a novel. As for the Dickens work, I was referring to the unabridged version.

There's nothing wrong with a long story. This one has rich detail and a complex plot which require some time for the author to tell and which require some effort on the part of readers. You will glad you stuck with it when you finally understand what you don't yet know. If you think this is a long story, try reading Nicholas Nickleby.

When editing or proofreading an author's work, I always draw a distinction between dialogue and narrative. Dialogue should suit the character(s). An authentic accent, vocabulary, and pace of speaking is always appropriate. This should not be carried to an extreme which makes it difficult for the reader. I do have a problem with a character whose grammar is very poor to the point that it detracts from the story because it is so hard to read. Narrative, on the other hand, should be closer to standard English (as fits the author's locale). I see no problem with dialogue being distinctly different from the narrative. Obviously an exception should be made for a story told in the first person; the narrative could reasonably be as nonstandard as the dialogue. For me, it's just that simple.

Bogus goat!

What a neat idea. Sorry I'm not a UK citizen...or subject...or whatever.

Not familiar with the song? See: Hang in there. You won't always be alone.

A straight guy can fall in love with a gay man. It's very rare, but it has happened. I think the attraction was to the person for reasons other than his gender, obviously. My best advice is to remember that a long term friendship is worth more than a lost friendship. Don't expect him to become something he is not.

There's a lot to be said for part time politicians. The next best form is short term politicians. In the US, virtually all politicians, certainly at the higher levels, are full time and must rely on the salaries and benefits of their position to earn a living. Some go beyond that and use their positions to enrich themselves further by questionable, if not illegal, means. The US used to have a strong currency and we used to have politicians who had their constituents welfare foremost in their thoughts and actions. I hope the Swiss don't follow us down the path we have taken. Nobody is perfect. Kudos to those who try to be.

Beautiful pictures, Nephy. Unpronounceable names, but beautiful places. I really enjoyed my one visit to Wales.

Thanks for your response and that is good to hear. You and Matt make a good couple and I consider you both friends. Why would your having a boyfriend not be something about you? I'm probably a puzzle in more ways than you realize. Queerlings, as you referred to yourself (I assume) need advice about a lot of things. Some I can help with; some I cannot.

Cam, you didn't mention a certain someone by name. Are you guys still together? ----------------------------------- More to the point of the forum topic, my name is Mike. I've been around a while...a member of GA for more than 5 years and a member of the human species for 70 years. I am straight, married 41 years with four sons and five grandchildren. I've published a few poems here at GA, do beta reading for several authors, and have made a lot of good friends.

Thank you for your moving words...a real tribute to life. We all would be much happier if we could master the art of forgiveness. Sweet dreams, Bob.

Thanks again to everyone for the birthday wishes.

I agree. Facebook is intrusive and untrustworthy. They gave me a very good reason for kicking Facebook out of my life.

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes, I trust Pavel has shipped that cupcake to me.

Wikipedia has a list of the 27 club members: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27_Club